The 2025 Hockey Hall of Fame induction weekend in Toronto became dominated by one conspicuous absence despite the gathering of hockey royalty. While legendary players including Joe Thornton, Duncan Keith, Zdeno Chara and female hockey stars Brianna Decker and Jennifer Botterill assembled for media day, all attention turned to the missing member of this year's class.
The Mysterious Case of Alex Mogilny
Alex Mogilny, the groundbreaking Russian defector who revolutionized NHL recruitment when he came over in 1989, was notably absent from the weekend's festivities. Despite years of lobbying by supporters who finally secured his Hall of Fame induction, Mogilny chose not to attend the traditional media day or collect his Hall of Fame ring and blazer in person.
Hall chairman Mike Gartner addressed the situation, stating "We don't know the exact reason, other than he said he couldn't make it. There's a lot of moving parts in his life right now." Gartner confirmed that Mogilny has pre-recorded comments for Monday's induction ceremony and telecast, describing the speech as "very good" and "very respectful of how he got where he is."
This behavior isn't unprecedented for Mogilny, who famously skipped the 2003 NHL awards ceremony despite winning the Lady Byng Trophy. The hockey community remains uncertain whether his absence stems from travel complications in Russia, political difficulties, coaching commitments back home, or simply his characteristic unpredictability.
Fascinating Stories from the 2025 Inductees
The media day provided compelling insights from other members of the distinguished class. Daniele Sauvageau, the celebrated coach and PWHL general manager, drew parallels between her background as a Quebec police officer and her hockey career, much like late Hall of Fame coach Pat Burns.
"The combination of the two gave me the greatest way to learn about the human world," Sauvageau reflected. "You see great things, you see things that you want to change. But the reality is the same. You are serving the population and you are serving the game." Her dual expertise led to an interesting crossover: "In the police department they called me 'coach' and in hockey they called me 'chief.'"
Meanwhile, Jack Parker clarified a long-standing hockey myth about his potential involvement with the 1980 "Miracle on Ice" American Olympic team. The Boston University coaching legend with 897 career wins set the record straight: "Not true I turned it down." He revealed that he was one of three candidates interviewed, alongside Herb Brooks and John MacInnes from Michigan Tech.
Parker recalled the decisive moment: "Before I was interviewed, I was told John had already withdrawn. That's when I went in the room and found out eight of the ten people on the committee were from Minnesota. I kind of knew then I wasn't going to get this job." He graciously acknowledged that Brooks was the right choice, noting "I don't think anyone could have done the complete turnaround of what he did as coach in 1980."
Thornton's Future in Hockey and Swiss Connections
Joe Thornton, the beloved NHL veteran known affectionately as "Jumbo Joe," addressed speculation about potentially coaching Canada's Spengler Cup team in Davos, Switzerland this December. Given his personal connections to the region—he met his Swiss wife Tabsa there during the 2004 lockout—many had connected the dots.
Thornton maintained his characteristic playful demeanor when questioned: "I don't know, I'm more about skiing when I'm on vacation. I might go and see the boys play, check out a game." However, he left the door open for involvement, teasing "But if they really want me, I'll be on the Swiss Alps." The Thornton family plans to visit the area during the Christmas holidays, keeping the possibility alive.
The 2025 Hockey Hall of Fame induction ceremony proceeds Monday without its most enigmatic honoree present, yet Mogilny's impact on the game remains undeniable. His absence serves as a reminder of the unique personalities that have shaped hockey history, even as the sport celebrates its newest legends in Toronto.
